Social Security: Real Issues, Real People
Meet real people who rely on Social Security. Social Security is much more than a retirement program. It is a family income protection program that reflects the commitment of the country to the economic security of workers, retirees and their families.
AARP believes a secure retirement rests on four pillars: Social Security, pensions and savings, earnings from work, and health care. For most Americans, Social Security is the strongest and most reliable of the pillars. We believe Social Security benefits must be:
- guaranteed for future generations of workers, retirees and their families;
- not in jeopardy of market fluctuations;
- protected from inflation;
- and never depleted by a long life.
The following stories are real examples of common situations faced by people who receive Social Security or who are concerned about the welfare of future generations:
Vi C.
Concord, NH
Vi is an active community volunteer in Concord, New Hampshire and she believes Social Security is an important financial resource. Vi remembers her father’s retirement – at the age of 69 he had no choice but to retire yet he had no savings. Had it not been for Social Security, she is not sure what would have happened to her father.
Vi’s late husband became disabled and she saw first hand how important Social Security is to people with a disability. In 1972, he lost sight in his left eye and by the mid-1980s, he lost sight in his right eye. He became blind and was unable to work. Vi explains, “My husband had retinol detachment in his left eye and could no longer do the job that he had because it was dangerous and so he had to be retrained. But he did go back to work for a while, until he lost sight in his right eye. The disability benefit that he received is worth it in self worth,” she said. Because of Social Security, Vi’s husband was able to keep his dignity.
“The sooner Congress gets started with making Social Security solvent, the better off we will be. I hope that one does not have to live on Social Security. I see many old ladies out there who are living on less than they should have to,” says Vi.
Today, Vi is retired herself but unlike her father, she has savings and an IRA. Social Security is a secondary source of income.
Tim G., Sr.
Bow, NH
Tim is concerned about his five grandchildren benefiting from Social Security.
"I want my son's children to be educated and have good jobs."
When Tim was growing up, his family received dependant-child and widow benefits. Without Social Security, his family could not have survived — with it, his family was able to stay in their home.
Tim feels that privatizing Social Security would weaken the system overall; he is particularly concerned that privatization would adversely impact members of the lower socio-economic class who cannot afford the risk.
Tim is a retired school superintendent, an AARP member of 14 years and an active volunteer.
Bobbie D.
Wyoming, DE
Bobbie expected Social Security to be her only financial resource when she retired. What she didn't realize is how much it would cost to be an older American.
To supplement the rising cost of housing, she shares a home with her best friend of 43 years, and they share expenses.
Bobbie thinks there are major problems with Social Security and that Congress needs to form a bipartisan commission to resolve the problem — not overhaul the entire system, noting "that's totally ridiculous."
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